I started this blog about 18 months ago with the purpose of sharing my travel stories and inspiring others to travel. Then, I became obsessed with the “Stats” page…and scrutinized every post while asking myself why I wasn’t getting more visitors, likes, followers, etc. I started changing my writing style, writing on a variety of topics…all in an effort to see that blue bar rise. And still nothing changed. It was like I was banging my head against a brick internet wall. Why weren’t people catching on to my blog? Am I not interesting? Maybe my writing sucks? I know it can’t be my sense of humor because I’m funny, dangit! All of these questions I asked during my downward blog spiral. I began to question myself. And you can’t question yourself or your abilities if you expect to be successful.
During my downward spiral (which thankfully didn’t include bath salts & binge drinking), I realized 2 things: 1) I had gotten away from the original purpose of my blog and made it all about me; and 2) I found some awesome bloggers who inspired ME!
Before I became obsessed with stats, I enjoyed writing. And I think it showed in my work. I’ve had so many people say that I should turn my travel tales into a book. Unfortunately, I started to write my book proposal during The Dark Times (which is basically when I got caught up in stat whoring). The proposal was going nowhere. I had absolutely nothing to say…I couldn’t articulate the concept of my book to save my life!! Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to pitch my travel show idea…and cannot seem to formulate the words to adequately convey how awesome my idea is. It’s like I was stuck. But last week while enjoying the sun & beach in Cancun, it hit me. I can’t write my proposals because I don’t believe in myself since I felt like my blog had failed. Which is so crazy in hindsight.
People define success in so many different ways. So why am I choosing to define myself as a failure when I have successes? One being that my blog post on the Warrior Dash was recently published in Obstacle Racing Magazine in December 2012…which was major for me since it was the first time I’ve ever seen my work in print!
I’ve also had the major blessing of being inspired by so many awesome bloggers here on WordPress! Whenever I start to doubt myself, I go to Candy Coated Reality to get inspiration & motivation. Lesley Carter has a totally fabulous blog called Bucket List Publications…and let me tell you, this is THE place to go if you are trying to figure out what to put on your bucket list. Whenever I need a laugh, I love to read Sandee’s 1800ukillme blog (her post on “Chilean bass sex tapes” will have you on the floor). I’ve also found some beautiful places to visit by reading the awesome travel blogs of Tvor Travels, Still Times, Toemail, and A Traveller’s Tale (just to name a few). I am even inspired to take more time to explore my own city due to reading Aaron’s The Adventures of Elatlboy blog (and he takes some pretty cool photos too).
So, I guess it comes down to realizing that when you feel uninspired, take a step back and connect with others. Believe in yourself and define your own success rather than relying on others to validate you. I choose to believe that success happens in stages…and this is but one link in a massive chain of success. Before I sit down to finally finish my proposals, I think I’m going to break up with my Stats page…because clearly things haven’t been working out.
Thanks for reading and as always…happy travels!
P.S. I’m always looking for new inspiration, so please let me know of any blogs you’d like to recommend! Thx!
International Travel Chick 
Oh, MY, Gaaaaaa… stats whoring? LOL!! You make my side hurt with non-stop laughter!!! Your revelation brings me such joy!! You’ve come a long way, sistah!! Now that you’ve knocked down your internet wall… the sky is the limit. YOU GOT THIS!!! Can’t wait to read your book (and every blog post until then, of course!!). xoxo
And, my heartfelt thanks for your Candy Coated Reality shout-out; YOU ROCK!! Love you!!
Thanks, Nae 🙂
I can almost bet you think that message was ONLY a part of your cleansing process. I am here to tell you ( as I struggle in my own downward spiral- in the midst of success)… You are in my headspace:). Thanks for the encouragement and words of wisdom! Thanks, Patrice
Thanks, Patrice!! We are in this together :). No more downward spiral. Ha!!
Thanks for the mention! I have blogged for years on Livejournal but mainly it’s a journal for myself and anyone that wants to read. Day to day stuff. I also blog about Coronation Street but I love traveling and have written travelogues of all my journeys. I thought a blog dedicated to that might be interesting and with the addition of some of the weekly challenges which i try to gear towards my travel photos, it’s so far, so good. I don’t expect my blog will ever “go viral” but if it inspires a few people to travel or just give an armchair traveler something to dream about, my work here is done 🙂
Love that sentiment, Tvor!
Wow!!! So empowering!! I just allowed your transperency to literally unlock the door for me to walk in the room with my insecurities and talk to them, hug them and prepare to release them!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!
Awe, thanks Stefanie!!! Love the thought of talking to & releasing your insecurities!! That’s a very safe & therapeutic way to grow!
I just found your blog when looking for articles on traveling solo and sexual harassment, and I really enjoyed. Sometimes it just takes a while for people to find the blogs – so don’t worry about the stats! Good luck with the book and travel show.
Thank you so much for your comment, Melisende!!! It means a lot to me that you took the time to read & comment on my post 🙂
Aw, thanks for the shout out Nikki! I really appreciate it.
Your advice about breaking up with the stats page is perfect. You write very well and in an engaging way. Your subject matter is obviously fascinating. Congratulations on being published — that’s great news! I hope to see more of your work in publication.
Blogging is just a lot of work! I always say, I had no idea what I was signing up for. When I started blogging I thought all I had to do was write, sit back and collect ‘likes’, comments and followers. Hahaha!
From what I’ve witnessed, blogs that get the great number of ‘likes’ are written by bloggers who spread themselves out. They follow many blogs and comment frequently to allow people to see who they are by interacting, which draws people in. That’s where the work comes in. I read in another blog recently that it’s about ‘reciprocation’.
Your numbers obviously don’t have anything to do with your content, style or ability. I see other really good writers like you who get one or two ‘likes’ regularly. I’m impressed that they continue, it seems, simply because they enjoy blogging with little concern for the numbers in their audience.
On the other side I’m baffled by the great number of ‘likes’ garnered by some other blogs — that’s when I realize that what really drives up numbers aside from talent, is visibility.
Thanks, Sandee! I agree with your entire comment!! Blogging really is about more than writing. I enjoy reading other blogs just to get inspired and to laugh!! Sometimes I need to get out of my own way…and tell myself that seeds need time to grow 🙂
Nikki, what a great post! There is probably a time when every blogger feels they are “banging his or her head against a brick internet wall.” Found your write very interesting with just right twists of humor to keep one reading…getting “caught up in stat whoring” – what a hoot! Actually, been there! 😆
Thank you for following catnipoflife! Hope you enjoy the site and leave each time with just the right amount of catnip to bring on a smile! Following you, too!
Awe, thanks!!! I am excited to read more of your posts on your blog!!! And, thanks for following 😉